Construction Begins on Almaty’s First 18.3-Kilometre LRT Line

Construction has begun on Almaty’s first Light Rail Transit (LRT) line. The new 18.3-kilometre route will connect the industrial zone in Alatau District with the Almaty-2 railway station.

A total of 34 stops are planned along the route. The new mode of public transport is expected to become an important part of Almaty’s transport system, improving connections between different parts of the city and major transport hubs.

However, LRT is not simply a return of Almaty’s former tram system. Modern light rail differs in the way traffic is organised, the infrastructure it uses and the level of integration with the wider urban transport network.

How is LRT different from the former tram system?

The key difference is the way the system operates.

Traditional trams were largely integrated into the existing street network. On some sections, they were affected by general traffic conditions, intersections and congestion, which could reduce operating speeds and make journey times less predictable.

Modern LRT is designed to operate with a much higher level of separation from regular road traffic. Significant sections of the route are organised to minimise the impact of congestion and other disruptions on public transport.

This approach can provide more consistent services and make journey times more predictable for passengers.

How will LRT move through intersections?

One of the key aspects of a modern light rail system is the way it passes through urban intersections.

The efficiency of LRT largely depends on giving public transport priority. When a train approaches an intersection, the traffic management system can give it priority to pass through.

This approach helps reduce unnecessary stops and maintain a more consistent operating speed along the route.

As a result, LRT is designed to operate not simply as another form of surface transport moving alongside cars, but as a more independent and efficient component of the city’s transport network.

From the industrial zone to Almaty-2

The first LRT line will connect the industrial zone in Alatau District with central Almaty and the Almaty-2 railway station.

This route is particularly important for improving transport connections between rapidly developing parts of the city and its established central areas.

As Almaty continues to expand, the number of daily journeys across the city is also increasing. Residents of new and outlying districts need reliable connections to workplaces, educational institutions, public facilities and major transport hubs.

The new LRT line can provide an additional alternative to existing bus routes and private cars.

Part of Almaty’s integrated transport system

The development of LRT should be viewed not as a stand-alone project, but as part of the broader transformation of Almaty’s public transport system.

A modern urban mobility network requires different modes of transport — including the metro, LRT and buses — to work together and provide convenient transfers for passengers.

In such a system, residents do not necessarily rely on a single mode of transport for an entire journey. Instead, they can combine different routes to reach their destination more efficiently.

For this reason, integration with Almaty’s existing public transport network and the development of convenient interchange hubs will be particularly important.

Why is LRT important for Almaty?

As Almaty continues to grow, pressure on the city’s roads and public transport network is increasing. Developing high-capacity public transport that is less dependent on road traffic is therefore becoming an important part of improving urban mobility.

LRT can help provide more predictable journey times, improve connections between outlying districts and key destinations, and make public transport a more attractive alternative for everyday travel.

The first 18.3-kilometre line with 34 stops will create a new transport corridor between Alatau District and Almaty-2 railway station.

How is modern LRT different from Almaty’s former tram system, and how will it move through city intersections? We explain how the new system will work in the video.